LIBERATION OF INSECTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23504, 19 May 1938, Page 15

LIBERATION OF INSECTS

SUBJECT TO STRICT CONTROL WARNING BY MINISTER RANDOM 'INTRODUCTION CONDEMNED (Peh United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 18. " My attention has been drawn to press reports dealing with the introduction or liberation in New Zealand of insects of an allegedly harmless nature by well-known persons who seek to add what appear to them to be attractive types to our local fauna," said the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr D. G. Sullivan) to-day. "I wish to make it clear that the Government views such action with much apprehension. Probably it is not generally known that the importation of insects is prohibited save with the consent of the Minister of Internal Affairs. "In view of the very extensive damage which the Dominion already suffers each year through the ravages of insects which have been introduced for the most part inadvertently, there should be no need for anyone to emphasise the need for such a restriction. At times, some species of allegedly beneficial insects are introduced, especially to parasitise either noxious weeds or noxious insects, but these are brought in only under the strictest quarantine control, and have to be subjected to drastic tests, and it is required to be proved that they are not likely to become harmful under New Zealand conditions before consent is given to their liberation. These tests are very exhaustive, and require to be conducted by fully qualified entomologists. It is recognised by entomologists that insects of a species which may be considered as of no moment in overseas countries may prove serious pests in a new environment, such as in New Zealand, and that every precaution should be taken against random introductions and liberations. At present, all consignments of insects known to be beneficial and received from overseas are bred through one life cycle in order to eliminate any harmful species which may be hyperparasites and' may be introduced in the actual insects themselves. The entomological world is too full of surprises to permit of any undue risks being taken by random liberations."